Money Transmitter License Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

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What is a Money Transmitter?

Anyone who operates a money service business (MSB) that moves money from one business to another or one person to another is a money transmitter. Every state has its own processes and requirements for obtaining a money transmitter license.

In general, a person who handles transactions that total $1,000 or more in a single day may be considered a money transmitter. Such transactions include cashing checks, exchanging currency, transferring money, or issuing/cashing traveler�s checks or money orders.

What Does the Licensing Process Involve?

The details of the money transmitter license process vary from state to state. However, there are certain commonalities. In general, applicants must:

  • Complete their state�s license application
  • Provide personal and business financial statements
  • Provide proof of meeting a given net worth requirement
  • Agree to a background check
  • Pay application and license fees
  • Obtain a surety bond in a given amount

Some states require successful completion of a pre-licensing training program and a passing score on an examination.

Why Is a Surety Bond Required?

A money transmitter bond serves as a guarantee that the money transmitter will conduct business in a lawful and ethical manner, in compliance with all applicable federal and state rules and regulations. Failure to do so can result in claims being filed against the surety bond, which the money transmitter is legally obligated to pay.

How Does It Work?

Any party who suffers a financial loss as a result of a money transmitter�s unlawful or unethical business practices has the right to file a claim against the money transmitter surety bond. The surety company that issued the bond will first investigate to make sure the claim is valid.

Although the responsibility for paying claims belongs to the money transmitter, the surety company often will pay a valid claim up front and then seek reimbursement from the money transmitter. Every surety bond contract includes an indemnification clause that relieves the surety company of any legal responsibility for paying claims.

How the Money Transmitter License Process Works

Every state establishes the required amount of the money transmitter bond that must be purchased as part of the licensing process. The annual premium for the bond is a small percentage of that required bond amount. That percentage, the premium rate, is set by the surety bond company on a case-by-case basis.

The primary factors considered by the surety bond company in determining the premium rate for a given individual is the applicant�s personal credit score and financial standing. If your credit score is good, you will likely be assigned a premium rate in the range of 1% to 3%, which is considered the standard market rate. Applicants with credit challenges may pay a higher premium rate.

Get The Bond You Need

Apply for the bond you need to get your money transmitter license today. If you�re not sure what the bonding requirements are for money transmitters in your state, give us a call and speak with one of our experienced surety bond agents.

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